In addition to the annual haunted house, special activities at Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site include a ghostly tour, an herb sale on the second Saturday in May, summer adventure classes for youths, and a Victorian afternoon tea. The mansion is in New Albany’s historic district, and a stroll through the neighborhood includes many beautiful homes of the same era.
Special Events Victorian Spring Tea April 15, 2012; 2 – 4 p.m.
$15 per person; reservations required Experience some of the delicate "finger foods" of the Victorian era and a variety of flavored hot teas in the Culbertson's Formal Parlor followed by a tour of the mansion. Guests are encouraged to dress in Victorian clothing and costumed staff will add to the elegance of the era.
Derby Murder Mystery Evenings April 27, 28, 2012; 7 p.m.
$15 per person; $25 per couple; reservations required Set in the 1880s at Derby time, this Murder Mystery event based on Clue game will keep you guessing who “dun” it! Characters include Sam Culbertson, son of W.S. Culbertson and president of Churchill Downs, who commissioned the "Garland of Roses" for the Kentucky Derby winner.
Herb Sale May 11, 12, 2012; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Spring is in the air, so head to Culbertson Mansion to stock up on your perennials and garden herbs all for a good cause. A wide variety of herbs and perennials are available in assorted pot sizes as well as hanging baskets, bay trees and porch planters.
Something Old, Something New: Celebrating Weddings at the Culbertson Mansion May 19, 2012; noon – 4 p.m.
$8 per couple; $5 per person; R.S.V.P. to renew vows Experience the beauty and grace of a wedding at the Culbertson Mansion. See everything from the newest trends in cakes to an exhibit of Victorian wedding lace and everything in between! Share your memories and photos, try fancy culinary creations and more. There will be an opportunity for guests to renew their vows at 2:30 p.m.
Victorian ARTs Festival and Open House June 2, 2012; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
June 3, 2012; 1 – 5 p.m.
Discounted admission $1 per child; $2 per adult
$5 for ART Forum Take advantage of discounted admission for self-guided tours of the mansion, fine arts vendors and demonstrators. Accurate Restoration Techniques, or ART forum, will help people interested in restoring their own historic homes. This event is in conjunction with St. Paul’s Art on the Parish Green event located at 1015 E. Main Street as a community Main Street event.
The Wake: A Murder Mystery June 29, 30, 2012; 7 p.m.
$15 per person; $25 per couple This Murder Mystery takes place in 1892 with the death of William S. Culbertson. As many people pay their last respects to Mr. Culbertson at his wake, there is great speculation about “who will inherit what” from one of the richest men in Indiana. Little did anyone know at the time what lawsuits would be filed after the reading of William Culbertson’s last will and testament. As tempers flare, greed can always lead to murder. This program is based on the Culbertson family history in a “Clue game” setting. Reservations and payment in advance are required.
Mum Sale Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 2012; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Market prices Buy mums for your own mum and others! Proceeds go toward the restoration of the Culbertson Mansion.
Ghost Watch Undertaking Sleepover Sept. 22, Nov. 3, 2012; 6 p.m. – 6 a.m.
$100 per person; reservations required Spend the night at Culbertson Mansion … if you dare! Brave guests will enjoy a candlelight dinner, a ghost tour of the mansion and a scavenger hunt before attempting to make it through the night. Adults only, no one under age 18.
Literally, A Haunted House Sept. 28, 29, Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 2012; 7 p.m.
$13 per person The Culbertson Mansion’s haunted Carriage House is not for the faint of heart. TheScareFactor.com warns that, “There may be times where you are wondering if everyone in your group will make it out alive. Be aware of your surroundings, this cast is known for drawing your attention away from what you should really be afraid of.” In addition, on Oct. 19, 20, 26, 27 enjoy Halloween storytelling in the mansion at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. for an additional $1 per child, $2 per adult.
Ghostly Happenings Tour Oct. 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 2012; 7:30 p.m.
$15 per person; reservations required Discover some of the strange, unexplainable things that have happened at Culbertson Mansion during this ghostly tour. No one under age 12 will be admitted.
Halloween Tea Oct. 28, 2012; 2 – 4 p.m.
$15 per adult; $8 per child 3 – 8; under 3 free
Reservations required A Victorian Tea with the Queen of Halloween! Enjoy an afternoon of whimsy and frighteningly good treats as you partake of “finger” foods. Wear your costumes and add to the atmosphere. Meet the Queen of Halloween herself and hear some stories that are sure to get you in the “spirit” of things.
Christmas Open House Dec. 1, 2, 2012; 1 – 5 p.m.
$1 per person Experience a Victorian Christmas at the Culbertson Mansion. Enjoy decorations throughout the mansion, live musical entertainment and refreshments.
ChristmasMurder Mystery Dec. 7, 8, 2012; 7 p.m.
$15 per person; $25 per couple; reservations required At the 1883 Culbertsons' annual Christmas party, tensions are running high after William and his fiancé Rebecca announce their engagement – tensions that ultimately lead to murder! As a guest at the party, you will have the opportunity to play detective by naming the killer and the motive. Refreshments included.
Christmas Victorian Afternoon Tea Dec. 9, 2012; 2 – 4 p.m.
$18 per person; reservations required Enjoy beautiful Christmas decorations, music and tasty treats while sipping a variety of flavored hot teas followed by a tour of the mansion.
For more information on programs at Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, call 812.944.9600.
PATCH PROGRAMS FOR SCOUTS Earn your Historic Preservation Patch at the Indiana State Historic Sites! Grades 3 – 12 Find out how your Scout group or youth organization can learn to love and protect old architectural treasures in our communities. Designed for both older and younger youth, visit one of the participating state historic sites and do the rest of the activities on your own, or request a program be provided for your group at $3 per person.
When the requirements are completed, you may purchase this patch for $3 at the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site. For information and patch requirements, contact Anne Fairchild at 812.273.4531 or afairchild@indianamuseum.org.
